Archaeologists discover moat ruins that may have been burial site for Japanese emperor

(Image credit: Handout/Archealogical Institute of Kasihara, Nara Prefecture)

Japanese archaeologists have unearthed the ruins of a moat in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, and they believe they may have been part of a burial mound for an ancient emperor.

The Asahi Shimbun reports that the moat was 158 feet long and between 13 and 23 feet wide. According to The Japan News, its size would make it the "biggest rectangular ancient tomb in the Asuka district at that time," if it is confirmed to be a burial mound.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.